Barbeque cover support device

ABSTRACT

A cooking apparatus for controlling the opening of a cover over a barbecue grill includes a motor for opening and closing the cover over the barbecue grill, with the motor connected to the cover by a coupling rod. The cooking apparatus includes, in one embodiment, a counterweight attached at the rear of the barbecue cover. The cooking apparatus also comes with a remote control for transmitting control signals to the motor. The remote control transmits start and stop signals to the motor, or alternatively, the motor operates only during the transmission of control signals to the motor. The remote control may also transmit signals to control flow of a combustible gas. The barbecue cover opener is removable from the barbecue grill. Control of the motor allows movement of the cover to stop at any point within the full range of the cover being opened or closed.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.09/997,310, filed Nov. 28, 2001, the content of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety, and this application alsoclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/216,304, filedNov. 28, 2000, the content of which is hereby incorporated by referencein its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to barbecue grills.

BACKGROUND

Generally, barbecue grills include an oven-like housing for cooking foodon a grilling surface. A heat source, such as burning charcoal or a gasflame radiates heat from beneath the grilling surface directly to thefood lying on the grilling surface. A cover over the grilling surfaceretains heat produced by the heat source. The cover also traps smoke andsteam that enhance the flavor of the food being cooked.

Some covers include a window that allows the cook to monitor the cookingof the food. However, smoke often clouds the window and prevents thecook from visually inspecting the food. Thus, even with the window thecook may sometimes need to open the cover just to check the cookingprocess.

The cover provides convenient access to the cooking food, but fullyopening the cover allows heat and smoke to escape from the grill.Opening and closing the cover also affects the flow of oxygen within thegrill. The rate of combustion for a fuel source depends in part on theamount of oxygen available. The combustion rate in turn affects thegrill temperature. A low oxygen level within the grill may also reduceor eliminate fat-fueled fires. The cover is therefore a useful componentof a barbecue grill.

Some barbecue grills do not have a cover, and others provide a coverthat is removable. However, there is a need for a barbecue grill thatallows a cook to control the size of the opening between the grill andthe cover. It is therefore desirable to provide a grill having a coverwith an adjustable opening to control oxygen circulation and retain heatand smoke.

Barbecue grills that use a combustible fuel source such as charcoalbriquettes do not always provide a constant source of heat. When thebriquettes are first ignited, very little heat is produced. After thebriquettes become fully ignited, a peak temperature is reached. Thetemperature then gradually declines as the fuel is consumed. The size ofthe opening between the cover and the grilling surface affects thetemperature on the grill, and it is therefore desirable to adjust thecover opening throughout the cooking process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiments described below solve these and other problemsby providing, in certain preferred embodiments, a control mechanism foradjusting the opening between a cover and the barbecue grilling surface.One of ordinary skill will recognize that the control mechanism may bedesigned in a variety of ways in addition to the exemplary embodimentsprovided herein.

In one embodiment, a barbecue grill comprises a grilling surface, acover for providing an adjustable opening over the grilling surface, anda motor for opening and closing the cover. The motor is coupled to thecover. The grill may additionally comprise a counterweight attached atthe rear of the cover. The motor is removable from the grill. Theelectric motor may be powered through an AC outlet, or alternatively bybattery or solar power.

A remote control is used to transmit control signals to the motor. Inone example, the remote control transmits start and stop signals. Inanother example, the motor operates while a button on the remote controlis pressed and the remote control is transmitting signals. Alternativelythe remote transmits open or close control signals. The motor mayposition the cover at any point within the full range of movement. Inyet another example the remote control additionally transmits controlsignals to control the flow of a combustible fuel.

A method for controlling the opening of a cover over a grilling surfacecauses a motor to operate upon receiving a first signal, where the motoris coupled to the cover such that operation of the motor causes anadjustment in the placement of the cover over the grilling surface. Themethod causes the motor to stop operating upon receiving a secondsignal. Activating a first control generates a first signal. Releasingthe first control generates a second signal. Alternatively, activating asecond control generates a second signal.

An apparatus for attaching a motor to a cover of a grilling surfaceincludes a motor support beam having an adjustable length. The motorsupport beam includes a motor attachment surface for attachment to themotor and at least one base attachment surface for attachment to asupport base of the grilling surface. A counterweight having a coverattachment surface is attached to the cover of the grilling surface. Acoupling rod attaches the motor to the counterweight. Alternatively, acoupling rod couples the motor to the cover of the grilling surface. Themotor support beam comprises a first portion insertable into a secondportion. The first portion has a threaded exterior portion, and saidsecond portion has a threaded interior portion, so that the length ofsaid motor beam is determined by turning the first portion with respectto the second position. Alternatively, the motor support beam comprisesa spring member that presses the first portion away from the secondportion. In yet another embodiment, at least one of the first portionand the second portion has a plurality of holes, the length of saidmotor beam being determined by inserting a pin through one of the holes.The motor may rest on the motor support beam or suspend from the motorsupport beam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view illustrating a cooking apparatusincorporating the control mechanism for adjusting the opening of a coverover a barbecue grill.

FIG. 2 shows a coupling rod for connecting a motor to an adjustablecover.

FIG. 3 shows a slotted motor attachment arm.

FIG. 4 shows a motor and receiver assembly.

FIG. 5 shows a motor mount stabilizer bar.

FIG. 6 shows an adjustable crossbar support beam.

FIG. 6A shows an adjustable crossbar support beam having an internalspring.

FIG. 6B shows an adjustable crossbar support beam with a pin at the end.

FIG. 6C shows an adjustable crossbar support beam having threadedinserts.

FIG. 6D shows another embodiment of an adjustable crossbar support beam.

FIG. 7 shows a counterweight for attachment to the rear of a barbecuegrill cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Partially opening the cover of a barbecue grill allows a chef to monitorthe cooking process. Even raising the cover as little as an inch or twoallows the chef to watch for grease fueled fires and monitor the cookingfood. Where the cover is held partially open, the chef can attend toother tasks while still visually monitoring the cooking of the food onthe grill.

Additionally, many grills use wood or wood chips to generate smoke andflavor the food. If the cover is kept closed, there is insufficientoxygen to allow combustion of the wood, and this results in a reductionof smoke for flavoring the food. However, opening the cover allows thewood or wood chips to continue smoldering, and the food receives thedesired smoke flavor.

FIG. 1 shows a cooking apparatus 100 having an adjustable cover 102. Thecover 102 is opened and closed by a motor and receiver assembly 400. Inthe illustrated example, an electric motor drives a slotted motorattachment arm 300 in a clockwise direction. The attachment arm isconnected to a coupling rod 200 with swivel connectors. As shown in theexemplary illustration, the coupling rod is connected to a counterweight700. The counterweight 700 is attached to a rear portion of the cover102 such that the counterweight 700 extends beyond a pivot point 104.The counterweight 700 offsets the weight of the cover 102 so that theload on the electric motor is reduced.

FIG. 1 shows the cover 102 in a partially open position. As the motordrives the attachment arm 300 clockwise, the coupling rod 200 rises.This in turn causes the cover 102 to close about the pivot point 104.When the attachment arm 300 runs parallel to the coupling rod 200, thecover 102 is in the closed position. As the motor continues to operate,the attachment arm 300 continues to rotate. This causes the coupling rod200 to move downward. The downward movement of the coupling rod 200 actson the counterweight 700 and forces the cover 102 to open about thepivot point 104. The attachment arm eventually reaches a downwardposition and is once again positioned parallel to the coupling rod 200.At this point, the cover 102 is in the open position. Continuedoperation of the motor causes the attachment arm 300 to complete therotation and the cycle is then started over again. In one embodiment,the motor operates at approximately three revolutions per minute (3rpm).

Alternatively, the motor turns clockwise to lower the cover 102 andcounter-clockwise to raise the cover 102. Although still feasible, theattachment arm does not need 360° of movement to open and close thecover 102 with this configuration. For example, the grill could beconfigured to be fully closed when the attachment arm 300 is 45° abovelevel, and fully open when the attachment arm 300 is 45° below level.

One of ordinary skill will understand that there are various ways ofraising and lowering the cover 102. In one alternative, the motor slidesa rod up and down to lower and raise the lid. In another example, theattachment arm is connected to a front portion of the cover.

As shown in the exemplary illustration of FIG. 1, the motor rests on amotor mount stabilizer bar 500. The motor mount stabilizer bar 500 isconnected to the cooking apparatus 100 with an adjustable crossbarsupport beam 600. Alternatively, the motor is mounted in other locationssuch as directly to a crossbar or suspended beneath the cookingapparatus 100.

The counterweight 700 is connected using a coupling rod 200 with swivelfasteners that are attached to a slotted motor attachment arm 300. FIG.2 shows one embodiment of a cylindrical coupling rod 200. One ofordinary skill will understood that the coupling rod 200 may havevarious shapes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a slotted motor attachment arm 300. Asshown in this example, the motor attachment arm 300 is connected to thearmature of an electric motor. As the electric motor operates, the motorattachment arm 300 rotates about the pivot point 302. The motorattachment arm 300 is connected by placing swivel connectors within theslot 304. The swivel connectors join the motor attachment arm 300 to thecoupling rod 200. Placing the motor attachment arm 300 in the downposition forces the coupling rod 200 down, which in turn causes thecounterweight 700 to move downward. This downward movement of thecounterweight 700 at the rear of the cover 102 causes the cover 102 torotate open about the cover pivot point 104. Similarly, when the motorattachment arm 300 is in the up position the coupling rod 200 does notact on the counterweight 700 and the cover will be in the closedposition. Each full revolution of the motor attachment causes the cover102 to open and close. In one embodiment, the coupling rod 200 isremovable from the cover 102 or the motor attachment arm 300 to allowmanual opening of the cover.

FIG. 4 illustrates a motor and receiver assembly 400. As shown in thisexample, the motor and receiver assembly 400 is constructed so that themotor and electronic components are housed within a weather-resistantenclosure. The electric motor is plugged into an electrical outlet. Asan example, an A.C. gearmotor having an output speed of 3 R.P.M. isused. The motor operates from a 120 V/60 Hz power supply. Alternatively,the electric motor receives power from sources such as battery cells,solar cells, or a generator.

In one embodiment, the motor and receiver assembly 400 includes acontrol attached to the grill 100. Alternatively or additionally, themotor and receiver assembly 400 receives signals from a remote control.For example, a hand-held, battery-powered transmitter sends signals to areceiver instructing the motor to raise or lower the cover 102. In oneembodiment, the transmitter sends a start signal to start the motor anda stop signal to stop the motor. Alternatively, the transmitter sends asingle signal to toggle the motor on and off. In one example, both thestart signal and the stop signal are initiated by pressing the samebutton. In another example, the transmitter includes buttons for sendinga start signal and a stop signal.

Alternatively, the transmitter sends a signal when a user activates acontrol, and continues transmitting the signal until the user releasesthe control. Thus, the motor continues to operate while it receives asignal from the transmitter.

The motor rotates the coupling arm 300 clockwise or counter-clockwise.In another embodiment, the motor rotates the coupling arm 300 in asingle direction.

The remote control may also include buttons for controlling the flow ofpropane in a gas grill.

One example of a remote control suitable for controlling the cover is awireless RF remote-control having an on/off switch. The remote uses a 12volt battery and operates at 312 MHz. The remote is capable oftransmitting over 50 feet to a receiver attached to the grill 100. Thereceiver uses a 120 V power supply and also operates at 312 MHz. Thereceiver has an output of 120 V AC, and can handle a motor load of ⅓ HP.

FIG. 5 illustrates a motor mount stabilizer 500 for supporting the motorand receiver assembly 400. The motor mount stabilizer is designed forattachment to a large number of commercially available barbecue grills.As an example, the stabilizer 500 is attached to an existing barbecuecart frame using an adjustable crossbar support beam 600. While notrequired, the mass of the motor may be balanced over the adjustablecrossbar support beam 600. As shown, the exemplary stabilizerillustration includes crossbar attachment plates 502 for attachment tothe adjustable crossbar support beam 600. The crossbar attachment plates502 may be located at the end of the upper portion of the motor mountstabilizer 500. Alternatively, the crossbar attachment plates 502 arelocated at the center of the upper portion of the motor mount stabilizer500. In another example, the crossbar attachment plates 502 are locateddirectly above frame attachment plates 506. In one embodiment, crossbarattachment plates 502 and frame attachment plates 506 include holes 504and 506, respectively, for inserting a bolt or pin. Alternatively, thecrossbar attachment plates 502 and frame attachment plates 506 includethreaded openings for insertion of a thumbscrew. The thumbscrew may thenbe tightened for attachment of the motor mount stabilizer 500 to thecooking apparatus 100.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of an adjustable crossbar support beam 600.The crossbar support beam 600 is designed to be attached to an existingbarbecue without any modification to the barbecue frame or chassis. Aretractable portion 610 allows the adjustable crossbar support beam 600to fit a large number of preexisting barbecue units. The support beam600 may be attached to the cooking apparatus 100 by bolting attachmentplates 604 to the base or side supports of the cooking apparatus 100.Alternatively, the support beam 600 may be attached to the cookingapparatus 100 by tightening thumbscrews through attachment plates 604 tothe base or side supports of the cooking apparatus 100.

FIG. 6A shows another embodiment of an adjustable crossbar support beam640. A spring member 634 places pressure on a retractable member 630 anda stationary member 632. In one embodiment the spring member 634provides sufficient pressure to prevent the attachment plates fromdisengaging from the grill. In another embodiment, the support beam 630,is attached to the cooking apparatus 100 by bolting attachment plates604 to the base or side supports of the cooking apparatus 100.Alternatively, the support beam 600 may be attached to the cookingapparatus 100 by tightening thumbscrews through attachment plates 604 tothe base or side supports of the cooking apparatus 100. FIG. 6B shows acrossbar support beam 640 having a pin 636 at the end for inserting intoa hole in the grill.

FIG. 6C shows yet another embodiment of an adjustable crossbar supportbeam 660. A retractable member 650 utilizes a threaded portion 662 tomate with a threaded portion 658 of a stationary member 656. The lengthof the support beam 660 is controlled by rotating the retractable member650. In this embodiment, the support beam 660 is attached to the cookingapparatus 100 by inserting pins 654 through a hole in the base of thecooking apparatus. In the illustrated example, the pins 654 includethreaded portions 652 that mate with a nut for securing the support armto the cooking apparatus.

FIG. 6D shows an embodiment of an adjustable crossbar support beam 682where the length of the support beam 682 is determined by inserting apin 674 through one of a plurality of holes. The support beam 682 has alarger member 680 with a plurality of holes 672, and a smaller member670 with a hole 676 for inserting the pin. Alternatively, the smallermember 670 has a plurality of holes for selecting the length of thesupport beam 682.

Alternatively, the motor support beam may be attached to the cookingapparatus through a variety of ways such as hooks, cotter pins, oradhesives.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of the counterweight 700 with coverconnectors 702 and coupling rod connector 704. In one embodiment, thecounterweight 700 is connected to the lower rear portion of the cover102. In another embodiment, the counterweight 700 is connected to theupper rear portion of the cover 102. In one embodiment, the coverconnectors 702 extend horizontally from the counterweight 700 to thecover 102. In one embodiment, the cover connectors 702 extend at anangle from the counterweight 700. In one embodiment, the counterweight700 is attached directly to the cover 102.

The mass of the counterweight 700 may vary. Some of the factors toconsider when selecting the mass of the counterweight 700 include themass of the cover 102, the distance of the counterweight 700 from thepivot point 104, and the power of the motor and motor receiver assembly400. In one embodiment, the force of gravity acting on the counterweight700 at the pivot point is equivalent to the force of gravity acting onthe cover 102. Alternatively, the force of gravity acting on thecounterweight 700 at the pivot point may be greater or less than theforce of gravity acting on the cover 102. In another example, thecoupling rod 200 is attached directly to the cover 102 without the useof a counterweight 700.

The foregoing description has been presented by way of example only, andshould not be read in a limiting sense. Although this invention has beendescribed in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodimentsthat are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, includingembodiments that do not provide all of the benefits and features setforth herein, are also within the scope of this invention. Accordingly,the scope of the present invention is defined only by reference to theappended claims.

1. A cooking apparatus, comprising: a grilling surface; a heating sourcefor transmitting heat to the grilling surface; a cover that provides ahollow chamber over the grilling surface, the cover being connected tothe cooking apparatus by a hinge; and a motor coupled to the cover,whereby operation of the motor while cooking adjusts the position of thecover about the hinge, which in turn alters the size of an opening intothe hollow chamber and alters the cooking conditions.
 2. The cookingapparatus of claim 1, further comprising a remote control for the motor.3. The cooking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is cupped overthe grilling surface.
 4. The cooking apparatus of claim 1, wherein theheating source comprises combustible material.
 5. The cooking apparatusof claim 1, wherein the heating source comprises charcoal.
 6. Thecooking apparatus of claim 1, wherein operation of the motor allows thecover to be maintained in a position between fully opened and fullyclosed.
 7. The cooking apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover isweather resistant.
 8. A method for cooking, comprising: transmittingheat to a grilling surface; placing food on the grilling surface; andoperating a motor coupled to a cover having a hinge, the cover providinga hollow chamber over the grilling surface; wherein operation of themotor while cooking adjusts the position of the cover about the hinge,which in turn alters the size of an opening into the hollow chamber andalters the cooking conditions.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein aremote control is used to operate the motor.
 10. The method of claim 7,further comprising positioning the cover in a partially open positionfor a significant portion of the cooking time.
 11. The method of claim7, further comprising adjusting the position of the cover a plurality oftimes during cooking.
 12. The method of claim 7, further comprisingraising the cover to monitor cooking conditions.